James Nelson Wolfe, 72, died Saturday, 01 May 2010, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, following complications from heart surgery.

Services will be Monday, May 10, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with The Rev. Phil Wold officiating. A reception at the Sheridan Country Club will be held following the services. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.

Jim was born in Sheridan, Wyoming, March 30, 1938, to James Winfield Wolfe and Irene Patricia (Dolly) (Nelson) Wolfe. He grew up in Sheridan, graduating from Sheridan High School in 1956. He attended the University of Wyoming one year before enlisting in the Army in 1957 where he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (Fort Lost in the Woods of Misery, as he called it). He received an honorable discharge July 1959.

Jim married Patricia Marie Aldershof, who survives him, in Ottumwa, Iowa, June 11, 1960. He returned to the University of Wyoming graduating with a BS in accounting in 1962. In 1965 he received his JD degree in Law and was admitted to the Wyoming State Bar in 1965. He was in private practice from 1965 - 1968, 1970 - 1985, and from 1993 to the present. He was Administrator of the Governor’s Committee on Criminal Administration from 1968 to 1970. He returned to Sheridan to practice law and was Sheridan County and Processing Attorney from 1970 to 1978. He was appointed to the bench of the Fourth Judicial District, a position he held from March 1985 to January 1993.

Jim married Leslie (Missy) Johnston Mullinax in Parkman, WY July 13, 1993. During their marriage they have resided in Cheyenne, WY. At the time of his death he was a part time State Public Defender for the State of Wyoming, including his private practice and mediation. “Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him will miss his humor, his honesty, and his unique outlook on life. There was not a case he couldn't handle nor a client he couldn't manage. We will miss him greatly. The Public Defender's office has lost a great friend and a warrior for the indigent accused.” State of Wyoming Public Defender’s Office.

Jim was a member of the Wyoming State Bar, Past Commissioner of the Wyoming State Bar, Past President of Sheridan County Bar Association, Past Chairman of the Wyoming Judicial Council, and Cheyenne Trap Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, his two children, Melinda Wolfe Ree, her husband Mark, and grandsons, Martin and Kayne of Banner; James Winfield Wolfe, his wife, Cindy, and son, Jeremy of Carpenter, Wyoming; two stepsons, Nathan Mullinax and his wife, Sierra. and 4 grandchildren, Matthew, Seth, Luke, and Anna; Aaron Mullinax and his wife, Deborah, and 3 grandchildren, Haydon, Drew, and Emme. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jim was known for his sense of humor, being great with kids, loving his grandchildren and having fun with them, giving them many laughs and good times, love of the courtroom, and love of the outdoors. He will be missed by all who loved him.

Jim’s grandmother, Edith Nelson, was the first white child born in Sheridan County in 1880. It is told an Indian brave offered her parents 15 ponies for her. The offer was not accepted.

Memorials may benefit Big Horn Activity Booster Group, PO Box 204, Big Horn, Wyoming, 82833, or the donor’s choice.

The Sheridan Press - May 6, 2010.